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How and what to watch for Southern Illinois vs. No. 21 Loyola-Chicago

The Ramblers will wrap-up the regular season with back-to-back games against Southern Illinois beginning on Friday.

By Jovan C. Alford

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Loyola Ramblers center Cameron Krutwig works the ball past Wisconsin Badgers forward Nate Reuvers during the first half at the Kohl Center. Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

In the lone Top-25 game on Friday night, Southern Illinois will play the No. 21-ranked Loyola Chicago Ramblers at 9 p.m. ET on CBSSN.

Loyola Chicago (19-4, 14-2 MVC) got back into the win column last week with a 54-52 result over Valparaiso. Before that win, the Ramblers had their 11-game win streak snapped by the Drake Bulldogs. They’re averaging 73.2 points per game, while holding opponents to 55.7 points per game. The Ramblers are also tied with Drake for first place in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Southern Illinois (11-11, 5-11 MVC) are coming off a 67-64 win to Valpo on Monday. SIU lost to Valpo on Sunday 66-65, and the Salukis have also lost three of their last five contests. Southern Illinois is averaging 66.9 points per game, while allowing opponents to score 68.6 points per game.

Game Time/TV Channel/Streaming

You can watch Southern Illinois vs. Loyola-Chicago on Friday, February 26th at 9:00 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network, or you can watch via the CBS Sports app or CBS All-Access with a cable or streaming service login. If you don’t have a cable login, you can get a free trial from YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, or Sling TV to stream it.

Point Spread, Totals, Odds, Trends

Point spread: Loyola -19
Point Total: 124.5
Money line: Southern Illinois +1400, Loyola -5000

  • The Salukis haven’t been a good bet recently as they are 2-4 against the spread in their last six games. The point total has gone under in six of Southern Illinois’ six contests.
  • Surprisingly, Loyola-Chicago has struggled against the spread with a record of 1-4 in their last five games. However, they are 6-3 ATS at Gentile Arena this season. The point total has gone under in 10 out of Loyola-Chicago’s last 13 games.

The Best Bet

Even though the Ramblers only have one win ATS in their last five games, they should be able to come away with cover on Friday night. This season, when Loyola-Chicago has been favored by double-digits, they are 6-3 against the spread. Meanwhile, the Salukis they are 0-2 ATS as double-digit underdogs, with both losses coming against Drake.

Pick: Loyola-Chicago -19

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